Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo is facing a spell on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder in training.
The incident occurred on Wednesday and is a recurrence of the injury sustained versus Manchester City last season. Rojo did not undergo surgery on that occasion, but missed a month of game time. Should the Argentine require or indeed opt for surgery to strengthen the bone, the left-back could face two months out.
The club are refusing to comment further on the matter, but more will be known during Louis van Gaal's news conference on Friday.
Injury leaves Van Gaal short in defence
The injury the Argentine international and former Sporting Lisbon man leaves the United boss with dwindling numbers in that position. United are still without Luke Shaw after the defender suffered a broken leg versus PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League back in September.
With Shaw ruled out until April at the earliest, Daley Blind is the only recognized fit left-back in The Red Devils' ranks. Van Gaal may once more have to go makeshift in his back line.
Italian right-back Matteo Darmian has previously deputised on the opposite flank - with limited success - but with Ashley Young threatening his spot, The Italian could once more be drafted in to cover for Rojo, or indeed Young himself.
Crucial festive period on the horizon
With Manchester United approaching the critical festive period, the injury to Marcos Rojo, will almost certainly rule the defender out until the new year. The left-back had made a successful return to the United starting XI, after prior reports had suggested an irreconcilable falling out with his Dutch boss. Should Rojo require surgery, United may look into possible loan avenues.
With United set for a relatively kind run of fixtures with West Ham, Bournemouth and Norwich City to come before a tricky Boxing Day trip to Stoke City, Louis van Gaal has food for thought.